apricity → for typewriter98
Title: apricity
Recipient: typewriter98
Pairing(s): xiuhan, implied!baekyeol
Rating: PG
Word count: 6000
Summary: Minseok is expected to be the heir to the throne of the kingdom of Arendale, the land of fire.
Ice cubes clinked against each other as Minseok placed his glass of water on the table beside him. The sun-shaped pin, a family heirloom that had been entrusted to him glinted dully in the firelight. He had been observing the party for more than an hour now, placid expression unwavering as he surveys the crowd dancing merrily on the palace grounds from the terrace overlooking the whole kingdom.
“So how’s the party? Are you having fun? Aren’t you excited for tonight?” Minseok turned to face his father and noticed the elation etched on his face as he scrutinized his 10-year old son. Of course, Minseok thought, he had been preparing for years for this event..how can he not be excited that it’s finally happening. He cracked a wry smile in his father’s direction.
“Yes Father. I can’t hardly wait for tonight.”
“That’s my boy!”
Minseok could only sigh as he watched his father’s retreating back. He turned back to watch the festivity, elbows resting on the balustrade as he propped his head on his hands. The crowd throbbed as one, swaying in time with the music as they danced the kingdom’s traditional couple dance. His eyes caught sight of his parents, the couple laughing as the king, his father, attempted to persuade the queen to dance with him along with a hundred other couples.
“Well, look who we have here...”
Minseok stole a glance at the newcomer’s profile before turning back to ogle his parents who are now enclosed in each other’s arms, swaying to the beat of the music
“What do you want Jongdae?”
Jongdae followed Minseok’s eyesight and laughed. Minseok stood up and looked at him, confusion evident on his face.
“Nothing your majesty, I just thought you’d want some company up here since clearly everyone is having a great time right now, with you as an exception. Why not enjoy yourself while the night lasts?”
“You expect me to follow an advice from a troublemaker like you? I don’t know Jongdae, but I think your idea of fun is a bit---”
“Cool?”
“No. It’s-“
“Awesome?” Jongdae offers as he cocks his eyebrows in Minseok’s direction
“No. Would you stop that?”
“Stop what? I’m not even doing anything” Jongdae smirked.
Minseok raised his hand in frustration, only to let it fall away at his side when he realized he’s no match for the witty trickster. “Please just leave me alone Jongdae. I am not in the mood for your jokes.”
Jongdae laughed at Minseok’s helplessness, trailing off when he caught the other’s solemn stare, realizing that the boy meant what he just said. He cleared his throat, and fixed his eyes on Minseok’s.
“Suit yourself.” Jondae said before turning to leave, footsteps echoing as he walks farther from the balcony. Minseok turned his attention back to the festivity happening below. He heard a mellow tune emanating from the orchestra playing on the raised platform. The tunes scream familiarity, melodious singing voice reminding him of times eons ago, when his mother used to sing him lullabies to make him fall asleep. He smiled to himself as he hummed along, oblivious to the judgemental stares the other guests in the ballroom threw at him. Princes aren’t supposed to sing.
“Beautiful isn’t it?”
“Jongdae, didn’t I tell you to leave me alone?”
“But my name is not Jongdae.”
Minseok whipped his head back to look at the stranger standing beside him. The said stranger just smiled at him and Minseok would have mistaken him for an angel if it wasn’t for the messy hair and the shabby clothing he’s wearing. Nevertheless, he was the most beautiful creature Minseok had encountered upon his almost 12 years of existence.
“My name is Luhan.”
Minseok was taken aback by the sudden introduction. He’s not one to complain though, he wants to know more about the stranger in front of him. “I beg your pardon?”
“The chandelier...it’s very beautiful.”
“It’s the best of its kind. Of course it’s very beautiful. It’s made of the finest diamonds this kingdom can procure...mold and cut into perfection by the Phoenix himself-”
“You mean your father?” Luhan smirked.
“Uh- Yes. My father.”
Luhan chuckled “I didn’t mean to offend you Your Highness, but I wasn’t talking about the chandelier’s composition when I said it was beautiful.” Minseok could only frown at the stranger’s unusual answer. When Luhan sensed the other boy wasn’t going to prod him to discuss even further, he started explaining himself. “I was talking about the way that chandelier emits its light. Look at it, look at how everything around and underneath it seems to bask in its blissful glow. How the light from its core hits the tiny crystals surrounding it, causing the light to be reflected into the other hovering crystals---” Minseok wasn’t paying attention to what the other boy was blabbering about but he kept his gaze fixated on the blond boy’s eyes. It’s amazing how fast this person’s eyes light up whenever he talks about things he like and whatnot.
“You want to get out of here?”
Minseok was suddenly thrown off by the stranger’s question “I’m sorry, but what exactly are you suggesting?”
“You want to look around shops? Eat street food? Something like that?” Luhan said.
“I don’t want to go around. I need to stay here till midnight!”
“Well, I guess I’ll take this pin of yours out instead then. What do you say?” Luhan smirked when he saw Minseok’s jaw drop in astonishment.
“You seriously haven’t been outside the palace gates? Not even once?”
“Nope.”
Luhan laughed and tugged on Minseok’s hand “Come on, I’ll be your tour guide.” he turned to Minseok and flicked the young prince’s nose playfully “Minseokkie.”
They passed by different stalls selling various goods and food. Luhan pulled him to one of the food stalls. The strong smell of cooking oil and fried food immediately permeated his nostrils. Luhan handed him a skewer and asked him to try it. He took a small bite, relishing the taste of fried squid in his mouth. He took a bite again, but much bigger this time.
“You like it?”
Minseok could only nod in agreement.
“Come on, I’ll show you something else!”
They came to the outskirts of town, festival lights growing steadily smaller as they sprinted towards the direction of the forest. Minseok eyed the thick growth with apprehension. He momentarily froze on the spot, startling Luhan who was happily running all by himself Luhan looked back at Minseok and asked him what’s wrong.
“Nothing really. It’s just that...isn’t it dangerous in there?” Minseok said, gesturing towards the forest ahead.
Luhan turned towards the woods and stood there staring for a long time, as if contemplating whether to go on or just go back. Minseok pursed his lips and grabbed Luhan’s hand.
“Let’s just go back to the palace.”
“No..let me just-“
“We can still slip in unnoticed if we go back now. Why aren’t you moving? Luhan?” Luhan turned to Minseok and asked him “Do you trust me?”
Minseok scoffed. He’s got trust issues with a lot of people, people he bump shoulders with on a daily basis. Why should a stranger who dragged him out of the palace almost against his will be any different? “Honestly? No. But since, you’re obviously the only one who knows his way around here, then I don’t have much of a choice now do I?”
Luhan grinned at Minseok in reply. He continued his stride towards the forest overhead. Minseok can’t help but notice that Luhan’s grip on his wrist is tighter than before. They jogged through thickets and tall grasses, hiking further up into the jungle with the silvery moon as their only source of light. Luhan seemed to pause every now and then, listening to the sounds of the forest. Finally they came at the base of a cliff. Minseok stared blankly at the wide expanse of rock in front of him. On the contrary, Luhan’s smile got wider as they approached the cliff.
“We’re almost there.” he informed Minseok excitedly. He tugged at Minseok’s arm and led him to the area where thick vines and plant growth covered one side of the cliff. Luhan let go of Minseok’s hand and dropped to his knees, scrabbling away at the numerous creepers in front of him. After a few minutes of clawing through the thick growth, he stepped aside to reveal a hole in the wall, large enough for a full grown adult to squeeze through. Minseok eyed the opening apprehensively. It looks dark and cold and just outright scary. Who knows what sort of creatures lurk inside?
“I am not going in there.” he said
“Who said I needed your permission? Come here you coward.” Luhan said, laughing as he pulled a petrified Minseok along with him. Minseok closed his eyes and willed himself to be guided by Luhan as they trudged their way inside through the narrow gap. The dank atmosphere unnerved him yet he can only clutch onto Luhan’s warm hand and hope that they can somehow manage to get out of there faster and in one piece. Minseok can’t see anything through the darkness but he can feel the the pathway gently slope upward. Even through his closed eyes, he could make out slivers of light seeping out of cracks in the distance. He can sense that they are the approaching the other end of the tunnel as he stumbles down the dirt path that if the light breeze laced with the distinct smell of pine trees was any indication. They slowed down to a halt near the mouth of the tunnel and Minseok opened his eyes by a fraction-only to be covered by Luhan’s hands.
“Not yet. Keep your eyes closed. I’m gonna show you something amazing.” he whispered against Minseok’s ear and the young prince wills himself to obey the the strange kid that started to move and pull him forward, hands still tightly clasped over his closed eyelids. They walk slowly, Minseok stretchig his hands in front of him in an attempt to feel his way around, and Luhan bringing up the rear, whispering apologies everytime he accidentally kicks Minseok’s ankles.
“You can open your eyes now Minseokkie”
“Stop calling me Minseokkie” he mumbled as Luhan pried his hands off his eyes. He opened his eyes. “Whoah”
They were on the edge of a cliff, Minseok can see the dense clump of trees partially hiding the tunnel’s entrance on his right side and sea sparkling like jewels under the silvery moonlight. What caught his attention though, was the view of the kingdom from where he was standing. The dark night sky was devoid of its usual sprinkle of stars, thus making a striking contrast against the glimmering city underneath it. The cliff they were on was higher than he thought. Festival lights look like fairy lights in the distance, dancing along to the light breeze brought about by the warm summer wind. It was nothing like the palace Minseok had roamed and ran around in ever since the moment his tiny little feet had let him. This palace, this kingdom...it looks unreal. Like one of those majestic castles in fairy tales his mother had told him when he was younger. It was seeing his home in another light. A light that burst into a million different colors and fills everything with life and vigor. Everything is bathed in multicolored lights. Especially the town where everyone else is enjoying the festival. From afar, the city looked like it was surrounded by a thousand tinted fireflies. They stood there for a long time, just simply enjoying the view. Luhan started talking about his life and his escapades. They exchanged stories, Luhan about how much fun it is to just go along with the flow and let life take you, and Minseok about how annoying it is to be doing the same thing every day and to be judged everytime there are guests and just simply how being a royal isn’t “all that”. By quarter to midnight, they decided it was time to go home, they ran back down the mountain and back in the castle, All the time they were together, Minseok didn’t notice Luhan rubbing his hands together, shivering from the abnormally cold weather.
“Where were you? We’ve been worried sick!”
“I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.” Minseok replied. They got back just in time for Minseok’s rite of passage as the royal heir to the throne and with ample time to let Luhan escaped through his window. Every heir in the kingdom was expected to show signs of being a pyrokinetic by the time they turn 10. Any other ability is acceptable but since they’re in Arendale, the land of fire, they were expected to showcase fire-bending abilities.
“It should start any minute now!” the queen was beside herself with excitement in contrast to the king, the Phoenix, who merely rolled his eyes. “Listen Son, whatever skill or ability you get, not to mention not getting any, just remember that I’m still your Father, and I will be proud of you no matter what.” he pats his son’s back as he led him to the center of the room where a circular gap had been opened, letting the moonlight’s silvery rays drape themselves on Minseok’s body, causing his pin to gleam. He promptly closed his eyes. He can feel it coming, he can feel the warmth of his powers on his fingertips, and he can visualize himself being engulfed by his own flames without burning himself. He opened his eyes…
….and was shocked to see himself floating in a haze of swirling snowflakes and pebble-sized chunks of ice. He turned to look at his parents who were just as equally shocked as he is.
Minseok was getting tired of parties. A party is supposed to be some kind of social gathering where people converse and make small talk, have fun. However, in the two hours that he had been standing in huge ballroom filled with people in suits and gowns, not one soul had dared approach him. With his parents and prankster of a brother who goes by the name Jongdae as an obvious exception of course. Speaking of his parents, he can see them going to his direction. It’s time. Time to decide whether to accept an eternal life of luxury and duties. For the last eleven years, he had hidden his abilities from the public eye. His mother announced that he is powerless instead of revealing the truth to their subjects. Cryokinetic abilities are a taboo in their kingdom after all. While the other kids with abilities were taught how to manipulate fire or heat at will, Minseok was taught how to conceal, and not feel his ability.
He took a deep breath. They are currently inside their private room, safe from the prying eyes and privy ears of the public. “Mother, I don’t want to be the Crown Prince anymore.” he said. The sound of breaking glass echoed inside the spacious room as the wine glass the queen was holding fell and shattered into a million pieces on the marble floor. He looked at his father, searching perhaps for the telltale signs of anger, but found none. What he found instead, was disappointment. Her mother however, burst out laughing. “That was very funny Minseok, but now you have to concentrate and apply everything I’ve taught you and greet the Governor of Arendale like a true royal.” She took his hand in hers and started to lead him to the door. To showcase him again to other people, he thought. Make him go out there to withstand the stares of a hundred people who despise him secretly for having it better.
“No.”
“I beg your pardon?” The queen stopped in her footsteps and turned back to glare at Minseok who promptly glared back.
“I said no. I don’t want to go out there and make a fool of myself Mother! I don’t want to mingle with people who extend their hand in friendship just so that they can tell the whole world about it but will sooner or later talk trash about me behind my back.” the room suddenly felt as if it had dropped several degrees and Minseok shivered as he took a deep breath before continuing “I’m tired of doing something just because I’m required to do so as future Crown Prince. I want to live my own life!” he explained exasperatedly. He can see the hurt in his father’s eyes as he moved closer to pacify what he thought was Minseok’s growing rage. He doesn’t want to hurt his parents like this. But he doesn’t want to live like a royal anymore either. He tried prying his mother’s vice grip on his arm but found it difficult to do so since his fingers are numb from the sheer cold that gradually enveloped the room and its occupants. Nevertheless, he tried. “I am not born to be a Prince. Why can’t Jongdae take my place? I’m sure he’s far more---” the awful sound of flesh hitting flesh reverberated around the room. Minseok touched the patch of skin his mother had slapped. His cheek felt warm to touch. It stung a bit too.
“Stop this nonsense. you are going to be the Crown Prince whether you like it or not.” the queen’s voice rang with finality but Minseok isn’t one to give up. He pulled his hand out of his mother’s grip and backed away when she tried to hold onto his arm. By then, snowflakes started falling down slowly
“No Mother. I had enough.”
“Son, try to calm down---” his father tried to reach him but for some reason---whether it was the pressure of being a prince or the future prospects of living a life that wasn’t entirely his own, he doesn’t know---he finally cracked.
“NO!” he shouted. All he remembered was the loud crack that reverberated against the walls, the wind that suddenly whipped at the portraits hanging on the walls causing them to fall and break and the rising of massive ice pillars all around him. The next thing he knew, he was lying flat on his back inside an ice dome of some sort. He can feel a dull pounding in his head, and it felt like it was going to split in two. He checked his head for signs of injury but found none. He stood up and examined the smooth sheet of concave layer of ice above his head. The moment his fingers grazed the surface, the ice broke, falling away like a million tiny pieces of shattered glass.
The first thing he saw was his father’s outstretched hand, pale and unmoving underneath the thick layer of transparent ice in which he and the queen was entombed. He rushed forward and tried to hack of as much of the ice as possible without hurting his parents but his efforts were futile. Every mark he made was instantly replaced by a much thicker chunk. Every scratch he draws on its surface made it much more impenetrable. At last he gave up, lethargically scrabbling away at the slab of ice in front of him and tears starting to pool under his eyes. He can hear the hurried footsteps and the steady clanking of metal against metal as the guards rushed towards that part of the castle, probably alerted by the loud crack he made earlier. He can hear the rapid chatter of a thousand people outside the wooden door right now. He stayed in his place even when the door burst open; revealing the Captain, voice booming as he shouted orders to arrest the young prince huddled at the foot of the large block of ice that imprisoned the king and queen. The soldiers took Minseok by the arm and dragged him brashly towards the door to face the brazen captain whose face was dark with anger.
“Throw him in the dungeons while the high court decides what to do with him” he said
That was the last thing Minseok heard before he exhausted his last ounce of energy and crumpled in a dead faint.
He can hear the soft chirping of birds, and the steady trickle of water that reminds of the stream that he found when he was a kid. He can also smell a familiar soothing aroma but he can’t quite put his fingers on what it is. He didn’t think there were birds and flowing bodies of water in the underground dungeons. He quickly opened his eyes and sat up. He expected to see moldy dungeon walls and rusty cell bars. He didn’t expect yellow painted walls and curtain adorned wide windows. He also noticed that his head was wrapped in bandages and that he’s clad in simple, comfortable clothes unlike the ones he normally wore in the palace. The soft clink of porcelain caught his attention and he found himself staring at a man pouring tea into two identical little teacups. The said man seemed to sense Minseok’s stare as he turned to face him. “You’re finally awake” he said
“Where am I? What happened? Luhan? You’re Luhan aren’t you?” Minseok asked. The other man only smiled in response. The last time he saw Luhan was years ago. Almost 10 years ago actually. He kept seeing him for about a year, going to places and discovering things outside the Palace walls. That was before the queen decided to seal him off, saying that his powers not only pose a threat to the people around him, but also to his place on the throne. They tightened the security. Increased the number of guards and built high walls that hide him and his ability from the eyes of their people. Only a few people were let inside and Luhan wasn’t one of them. If it wasn’t for the doe-like eyes, he wouldn’t have known that the man standing 2 feet away from him was the same kid that dragged him out of the kingdom to camp out on a cliff eleven years ago. Luhan had grown considerably taller after their little expedition. Back then he was all skin and bones, but Minseok can now see a hint of muscled biceps peeking out of his shirt as he handed Minseok his own cup of tea.
“So, how are you feeling right now?” Luhan blew softly on his tea in an attempt to cool it down. Minseok can see the wrinkles beside and underneath the younger man’s eyes as he smiled at Minseok for the second time. “First of all, you are in my house.” Luhan held up a hand when Minseok opened his mouth to ask why he’s in the there instead of the cold, clammy underground dungeon in his palace. Well, it was his palace. “I smuggled you out of there when the guards were busy attending to their own personal needs” he chuckled at that and Minseok can’t help but question the man’s sanity. “Right now, they’re searching for you. For us both. So I suggest you stay inside this house if you don’t want to end up being a prisoner in your own home.” Luhan drained his tea and put the cup back in its own saucer on the table.
“How did you get me out? how do you even know I was to be imprisoned?”
Luhan chokes back a laugh. “Minseokkie---”he said. “You seem to forget how incredibly talented I am when it comes to picking locks.” he cleared his throat “And for the second question, Well, let’s just say I was just at the right place at the right time”
Minseok is starting to like his new life with Luhan. There is no urgency. No royal duties to be fulfilled, although sometimes of course, Luhan can be an outright pain in the ass when he wants to be. Everyday seemed like an adventure, a brand new flavor for Minseok to taste. His life as a prince seemed so far away right now. This is what happiness is, he thought as he watched Luhan climb a tree so that he can pick the fruits on top. He had quickly reacquainted himself with the man in the week he had stayed in his house. Over the course of one week, Luhan had taught him how to do things royalties would normally decline. He had climbed trees, caught salmon and trout from the nearby river and of course, chopped firewood for cooking food. By his 5th day, he had caught enough salmon to last for a week. He had grown to like the younger man as well despite his endless chatter about how cats are the fluffiest creatures in this world. His life might not be as easy as it was back then, but Minseok thinks he’s at his happiest living in the little house by the outskirts of Arendale.
Well, as happy as he can be with Luhan as the cook.
“I think I know someone who can help your parents.”
Minseok stared at Luhan who was panting heavily. Running from town and back is no mean feat after all. Luhan had gone early that morning to avoid running into palace guards who had been stationed to look out for signs of Minseok. Luhan took a deep breath. “The Sun Child. I heard the townspeople talking about him. I think with his ability, he can defrost the ice that encased your parents!” his grin stretched up to his ears but Minseok still had a difficulty processing what his friend had just said. “Minseok? Minseok. Minseok look at me” Minseok turned to look at Luhan’s eyes. The normally sparkly brown orbs looked like they bore a million stars. He doesn’t know why but he suddenly found himself getting lost in those eyes. He found himself wanting to hold the younger man in his arms. He wanted to do unmentionable things to Luhan. But at this moment, all he did was to hug him tight, and sobbed into his arms as he whispered a hundred thank yous to the fair-skinned man’s ear.
They wasted no time in finding the Sun Child. The journey was long and hard but neither one of them decided to give up. They trudged on holding to each other’s hands just like back when they were children Every now and then, Luhan would send a smile in Minseok’s direction and the latter would smile back and squeeze Luhan’s hand as a form of assurance. Finally, they had come upon the mountain which was rumored to be the Sun Child’s home and hunting grounds. If it wasn’t for Luhan’s sharp eyesight, they wouldn’t have found the small cottage nestled in between two full grown oaks on top of the mountain. They arrived just in time for lunch and the Sun Child (“Stop it with that name, you can call me Baekhyun”) was all too happy to invite them in his humble home.
“So, you’re telling me that you screwed up controlling your powers and now you’re asking me to clean up your mess?” Baekhyun scoffed.
“Uhhh technically? Yes.” Minseok replied meekly. “I know I’m asking for so much. But will you please...please just save my parents?”
“Hmmm…Wait! Look at me with your eyes again.” Minseok was alarmed by Baekhyun’s sudden outburst. Nevertheless, he stayed still as the Sun Child scrutinized his face, especially his eyes. “Not bad. You actually inherited his eyes.” Baekhyun looked away for a second, and Luhan thought he saw him smile sadly. “Okay then. To the palace we go!”
They journey back to the palace was by far, the most terrifying trip Minseok had taken in his 21 years of existence. They had to dodge the out of sight every time Luhan spots a guard lurking nearby. Baekhyun had also taken their long journey as an opportunity to train Minseok on how to control his ability.
“You have to feel it! No! You’re doing it wrong! Argghhhhh” Baekhyun yelled in pain and frustration as yet another enormous slab of ice fell on his feet. “This is hopeless!” Minseok can only cringe at the disappointment in Baekhyun’s voice. He wanted to control his ability too. He fears for what might happen if his abilities control him. What if he unconsciously freezes Luhan too, like what he did to his parents? That night, Minseok tossed and turned on his makeshift camp bed. Insomnia is started to sink in and Minseok realized that no matter what he does, he won’t be able to sleep sooner or later. He got up and went out of the tent they had erected earlier and started walking towards the direction of the river they had passed earlier. He walked for 15 minutes or so before he can actually hear the sloshing of water against giant rock boulders on the side of the shallow river. He slowed down at the edge of the bank, took off his shoes and dipped his feet in crystal clear water. The moment his toes touched the surface however, the river froze.
“You did it again huh?” Luhan chuckled and plopped himself down beside Minseok who stiffened instantly when the younger’s arm brushed against his. They stayed like that for a while before Luhan asked “You want me to help you with controlling your abilities?” Minseok was taken aback by Luhan’s suggestion, nonetheless, he followed Luhan when he stood up and led him towards the middle of the frozen river. They stood there for a long time, just silently facing each other.
“Imagine the tiny water droplets in the air around us…” Luhan took Minseok’s hand and intertwined them together, filling the spaces between their fingers. Minseok became aware of how perfectly their hands fit together. “…imagine them gathering together, holding each other, like how I hold your hand right now…” By then, the temperature had dropped down several degrees, the air around them becoming heavy and frosty from condensation. Luhan looked behind him, checking that no one else is there. His breath comes up in puffs of mist. He turned back to Minseok “…Now imagine them floating around you, totally under your control.” Minseok closed his eyes and concentrated hard on making the tiny droplets float. He opened his eyes
“You did it!” He can hear Luhan’s whisper amidst the whooshing sound that is the swirling wind dotted with sparkling snowflakes whirling around them. He looked at the younger man standing across him, He can see delight in his eyes. Delight and something else. Without warning, Luhan closed the gap between them and pressed his lips gently against Minseok’s. Minseok was caught offguard, but at the same time, he can’t deny that he likes it. Hell, he liked it so much that when Luhan started to pull out, he leaned forward to recapture his lips once more. Luhan was shocked but he responded nonetheless, capturing Minseok’s plump bottom lip between his lips and wrapping his long slender arms on the older man’s neck, pulling him closer as Minseok’s arms snaked around his hips, effectively molding their bodies together. Every now and then, Luhan would break away to gasp for air and Minseok would pepper his neck kisses until Luhan reclaims his lips again, noses bumping against each other, but he doesn’t mind. He had waited long enough for this. They kissed like that under the silvery moonlight, with the sparkling haze as their only protection against prying eyes.
“Where have you two gone off two last night? I woke up to two empty sleeping mats at three in the morning. I thought you two had been kidnapped!” Baekhyun glared at the pair when they staggered back into the tent at 5 in the morning with rumpled clothes and messier than usual hair.
“We’re sorry Baek. It’s just that I can’t sleep so took a walk and ended up practicing my ability with Luhan on the river. We’re sorry we fell asleep on the river bank and left you here to worry.” Minseok replied
“So you practiced huh?” Baekhyun crooked an eyebrow in Luhan’s direction causing the said guy to blush furiously. “Ah. That kind of practice eh?”
They set off for the castle once more, this time with Minseok constantly showing off his ability. “I think I’m getting the hang of this” he said heedless of the dirty looks Baekhyun threw at his direction. The Sun Child would have been proud of Minseok’s development if it wasn’t for the fact that he was freezing almost everything in sight. Including the ground they are stepping on, causing the small pyrokinetic to slip every now and then on the slippery pathway.
They arrived at the castle in record time, with Luhan telling them where to go so that they can slip in undetected. Minseok’s heart races everytime he sees the palace guards that once guaranteed him safety. They entered the castle disguised as peasants, passing through the gates stealthily by blending in with the crowd of other peasants gathered in the palace grounds. At last, after a lot of scurrying and pretending (and also a bit of soldier-freezing), they reached the room where the king and queen are situated. The gigantic block of ice in which they are imprisoned is in the same condition as it was when Minseok was dragged out of that room. Baekhyun walked forward and approached the slab of ice on the king’s side and touched it. He closed his eyes and even though Minseok can’t see it, he can hear the light thrum of energy emanating from where Baekhyun’s hand touched the ice which started to melt rapidly. After a while, all that’s left of the gigantic ice slab was the water that pooled at their feet and lapped at their ankles. But even though the ice had melted, the king and queen still stood motionless at the center of the flooded room. Baekhyun splashed his way to the queen first, and gently held her frozen arm in his. Minseok and Luhan watched in awe as the the queen’s pale arm quickly regained its healthy glow, spreading into the other parts of her body, coloring her cheeks pink and restoring the light in her eyes. She gave a start and immediately asked what happened but was ignored by Baekhyun who immediately moved to defrost the king next. This time, Baekhyun took a deep breath and exhaled sharply before he cupped the king’s face in his hands. Color flooded his face straightaway and Minseok couldn’t help but notice that Baekhyun held on to the king’s face longer than even after the king blinked in confusion at what happened. He immediately saw Baekhyun who gently lowered his hand from the king’s left cheek. Baekhyun can see a spark of recognition in the Phoenix’s-ah, the king’s eyes. “Baek.” he said softly. It was like music to Baek’s ears, hearing that voice speak his name again. But it was all in the past now. He forced himself to smile as he looked upon those eyes again. “Yeol.”
Minseok looked up when he heard the all-too-familiar sound of Luhan’s laugh, a signal that the younger man had already arrived. He got up from his chair by the dining table and went to greet his husband by the front door.
“How was work?”
“Boring as always.”
Minseok chuckled heartily at the sight of Luhan’s grumpy face. He pressed a kiss to his forehead in an attempt to cheer him up. “I think we should do something that isn’t relatively boring, don’t you think?” Luhan can only nod as Minseok led him inside their shared bedroom.
After Minseok’s freezing incident, the queen had relented and let Minseok chose what he wanted in life. The king was just too happy to comply with his son’s wish to live a normal life on the outskirts or their kingdom with Luhan. The queen wasn’t too happy with that agreement at first, but Minseok had convinced her that Jongdae would make a much more respectable king of the fire nation with his lightning-controlling ability. The guards and the king’s subjects had been informed that Minseok is innocent and that they should not interfere with him and his chosen life. Baekhyun chose to go back to his mountain after everything that happened. He declined the king’s offer to stay in the palace to be his royal adviser, saying that he preferred living in peace with all his animals back home. Everything is well…well, everything that is not Luhan’s cooking.
Author's note: hello recipient! I hope you'd have as much fun reading this as I had writing this. Also, I'd like to thank A, R and G.
Recipient: typewriter98
Pairing(s): xiuhan, implied!baekyeol
Rating: PG
Word count: 6000
Summary: Minseok is expected to be the heir to the throne of the kingdom of Arendale, the land of fire.
Ice cubes clinked against each other as Minseok placed his glass of water on the table beside him. The sun-shaped pin, a family heirloom that had been entrusted to him glinted dully in the firelight. He had been observing the party for more than an hour now, placid expression unwavering as he surveys the crowd dancing merrily on the palace grounds from the terrace overlooking the whole kingdom.
“So how’s the party? Are you having fun? Aren’t you excited for tonight?” Minseok turned to face his father and noticed the elation etched on his face as he scrutinized his 10-year old son. Of course, Minseok thought, he had been preparing for years for this event..how can he not be excited that it’s finally happening. He cracked a wry smile in his father’s direction.
“Yes Father. I can’t hardly wait for tonight.”
“That’s my boy!”
Minseok could only sigh as he watched his father’s retreating back. He turned back to watch the festivity, elbows resting on the balustrade as he propped his head on his hands. The crowd throbbed as one, swaying in time with the music as they danced the kingdom’s traditional couple dance. His eyes caught sight of his parents, the couple laughing as the king, his father, attempted to persuade the queen to dance with him along with a hundred other couples.
“Well, look who we have here...”
Minseok stole a glance at the newcomer’s profile before turning back to ogle his parents who are now enclosed in each other’s arms, swaying to the beat of the music
“What do you want Jongdae?”
Jongdae followed Minseok’s eyesight and laughed. Minseok stood up and looked at him, confusion evident on his face.
“Nothing your majesty, I just thought you’d want some company up here since clearly everyone is having a great time right now, with you as an exception. Why not enjoy yourself while the night lasts?”
“You expect me to follow an advice from a troublemaker like you? I don’t know Jongdae, but I think your idea of fun is a bit---”
“Cool?”
“No. It’s-“
“Awesome?” Jongdae offers as he cocks his eyebrows in Minseok’s direction
“No. Would you stop that?”
“Stop what? I’m not even doing anything” Jongdae smirked.
Minseok raised his hand in frustration, only to let it fall away at his side when he realized he’s no match for the witty trickster. “Please just leave me alone Jongdae. I am not in the mood for your jokes.”
Jongdae laughed at Minseok’s helplessness, trailing off when he caught the other’s solemn stare, realizing that the boy meant what he just said. He cleared his throat, and fixed his eyes on Minseok’s.
“Suit yourself.” Jondae said before turning to leave, footsteps echoing as he walks farther from the balcony. Minseok turned his attention back to the festivity happening below. He heard a mellow tune emanating from the orchestra playing on the raised platform. The tunes scream familiarity, melodious singing voice reminding him of times eons ago, when his mother used to sing him lullabies to make him fall asleep. He smiled to himself as he hummed along, oblivious to the judgemental stares the other guests in the ballroom threw at him. Princes aren’t supposed to sing.
“Beautiful isn’t it?”
“Jongdae, didn’t I tell you to leave me alone?”
“But my name is not Jongdae.”
Minseok whipped his head back to look at the stranger standing beside him. The said stranger just smiled at him and Minseok would have mistaken him for an angel if it wasn’t for the messy hair and the shabby clothing he’s wearing. Nevertheless, he was the most beautiful creature Minseok had encountered upon his almost 12 years of existence.
“My name is Luhan.”
Minseok was taken aback by the sudden introduction. He’s not one to complain though, he wants to know more about the stranger in front of him. “I beg your pardon?”
“The chandelier...it’s very beautiful.”
“It’s the best of its kind. Of course it’s very beautiful. It’s made of the finest diamonds this kingdom can procure...mold and cut into perfection by the Phoenix himself-”
“You mean your father?” Luhan smirked.
“Uh- Yes. My father.”
Luhan chuckled “I didn’t mean to offend you Your Highness, but I wasn’t talking about the chandelier’s composition when I said it was beautiful.” Minseok could only frown at the stranger’s unusual answer. When Luhan sensed the other boy wasn’t going to prod him to discuss even further, he started explaining himself. “I was talking about the way that chandelier emits its light. Look at it, look at how everything around and underneath it seems to bask in its blissful glow. How the light from its core hits the tiny crystals surrounding it, causing the light to be reflected into the other hovering crystals---” Minseok wasn’t paying attention to what the other boy was blabbering about but he kept his gaze fixated on the blond boy’s eyes. It’s amazing how fast this person’s eyes light up whenever he talks about things he like and whatnot.
“You want to get out of here?”
Minseok was suddenly thrown off by the stranger’s question “I’m sorry, but what exactly are you suggesting?”
“You want to look around shops? Eat street food? Something like that?” Luhan said.
“I don’t want to go around. I need to stay here till midnight!”
“Well, I guess I’ll take this pin of yours out instead then. What do you say?” Luhan smirked when he saw Minseok’s jaw drop in astonishment.
“You seriously haven’t been outside the palace gates? Not even once?”
“Nope.”
Luhan laughed and tugged on Minseok’s hand “Come on, I’ll be your tour guide.” he turned to Minseok and flicked the young prince’s nose playfully “Minseokkie.”
They passed by different stalls selling various goods and food. Luhan pulled him to one of the food stalls. The strong smell of cooking oil and fried food immediately permeated his nostrils. Luhan handed him a skewer and asked him to try it. He took a small bite, relishing the taste of fried squid in his mouth. He took a bite again, but much bigger this time.
“You like it?”
Minseok could only nod in agreement.
“Come on, I’ll show you something else!”
They came to the outskirts of town, festival lights growing steadily smaller as they sprinted towards the direction of the forest. Minseok eyed the thick growth with apprehension. He momentarily froze on the spot, startling Luhan who was happily running all by himself Luhan looked back at Minseok and asked him what’s wrong.
“Nothing really. It’s just that...isn’t it dangerous in there?” Minseok said, gesturing towards the forest ahead.
Luhan turned towards the woods and stood there staring for a long time, as if contemplating whether to go on or just go back. Minseok pursed his lips and grabbed Luhan’s hand.
“Let’s just go back to the palace.”
“No..let me just-“
“We can still slip in unnoticed if we go back now. Why aren’t you moving? Luhan?” Luhan turned to Minseok and asked him “Do you trust me?”
Minseok scoffed. He’s got trust issues with a lot of people, people he bump shoulders with on a daily basis. Why should a stranger who dragged him out of the palace almost against his will be any different? “Honestly? No. But since, you’re obviously the only one who knows his way around here, then I don’t have much of a choice now do I?”
Luhan grinned at Minseok in reply. He continued his stride towards the forest overhead. Minseok can’t help but notice that Luhan’s grip on his wrist is tighter than before. They jogged through thickets and tall grasses, hiking further up into the jungle with the silvery moon as their only source of light. Luhan seemed to pause every now and then, listening to the sounds of the forest. Finally they came at the base of a cliff. Minseok stared blankly at the wide expanse of rock in front of him. On the contrary, Luhan’s smile got wider as they approached the cliff.
“We’re almost there.” he informed Minseok excitedly. He tugged at Minseok’s arm and led him to the area where thick vines and plant growth covered one side of the cliff. Luhan let go of Minseok’s hand and dropped to his knees, scrabbling away at the numerous creepers in front of him. After a few minutes of clawing through the thick growth, he stepped aside to reveal a hole in the wall, large enough for a full grown adult to squeeze through. Minseok eyed the opening apprehensively. It looks dark and cold and just outright scary. Who knows what sort of creatures lurk inside?
“I am not going in there.” he said
“Who said I needed your permission? Come here you coward.” Luhan said, laughing as he pulled a petrified Minseok along with him. Minseok closed his eyes and willed himself to be guided by Luhan as they trudged their way inside through the narrow gap. The dank atmosphere unnerved him yet he can only clutch onto Luhan’s warm hand and hope that they can somehow manage to get out of there faster and in one piece. Minseok can’t see anything through the darkness but he can feel the the pathway gently slope upward. Even through his closed eyes, he could make out slivers of light seeping out of cracks in the distance. He can sense that they are the approaching the other end of the tunnel as he stumbles down the dirt path that if the light breeze laced with the distinct smell of pine trees was any indication. They slowed down to a halt near the mouth of the tunnel and Minseok opened his eyes by a fraction-only to be covered by Luhan’s hands.
“Not yet. Keep your eyes closed. I’m gonna show you something amazing.” he whispered against Minseok’s ear and the young prince wills himself to obey the the strange kid that started to move and pull him forward, hands still tightly clasped over his closed eyelids. They walk slowly, Minseok stretchig his hands in front of him in an attempt to feel his way around, and Luhan bringing up the rear, whispering apologies everytime he accidentally kicks Minseok’s ankles.
“You can open your eyes now Minseokkie”
“Stop calling me Minseokkie” he mumbled as Luhan pried his hands off his eyes. He opened his eyes. “Whoah”
They were on the edge of a cliff, Minseok can see the dense clump of trees partially hiding the tunnel’s entrance on his right side and sea sparkling like jewels under the silvery moonlight. What caught his attention though, was the view of the kingdom from where he was standing. The dark night sky was devoid of its usual sprinkle of stars, thus making a striking contrast against the glimmering city underneath it. The cliff they were on was higher than he thought. Festival lights look like fairy lights in the distance, dancing along to the light breeze brought about by the warm summer wind. It was nothing like the palace Minseok had roamed and ran around in ever since the moment his tiny little feet had let him. This palace, this kingdom...it looks unreal. Like one of those majestic castles in fairy tales his mother had told him when he was younger. It was seeing his home in another light. A light that burst into a million different colors and fills everything with life and vigor. Everything is bathed in multicolored lights. Especially the town where everyone else is enjoying the festival. From afar, the city looked like it was surrounded by a thousand tinted fireflies. They stood there for a long time, just simply enjoying the view. Luhan started talking about his life and his escapades. They exchanged stories, Luhan about how much fun it is to just go along with the flow and let life take you, and Minseok about how annoying it is to be doing the same thing every day and to be judged everytime there are guests and just simply how being a royal isn’t “all that”. By quarter to midnight, they decided it was time to go home, they ran back down the mountain and back in the castle, All the time they were together, Minseok didn’t notice Luhan rubbing his hands together, shivering from the abnormally cold weather.
“Where were you? We’ve been worried sick!”
“I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.” Minseok replied. They got back just in time for Minseok’s rite of passage as the royal heir to the throne and with ample time to let Luhan escaped through his window. Every heir in the kingdom was expected to show signs of being a pyrokinetic by the time they turn 10. Any other ability is acceptable but since they’re in Arendale, the land of fire, they were expected to showcase fire-bending abilities.
“It should start any minute now!” the queen was beside herself with excitement in contrast to the king, the Phoenix, who merely rolled his eyes. “Listen Son, whatever skill or ability you get, not to mention not getting any, just remember that I’m still your Father, and I will be proud of you no matter what.” he pats his son’s back as he led him to the center of the room where a circular gap had been opened, letting the moonlight’s silvery rays drape themselves on Minseok’s body, causing his pin to gleam. He promptly closed his eyes. He can feel it coming, he can feel the warmth of his powers on his fingertips, and he can visualize himself being engulfed by his own flames without burning himself. He opened his eyes…
….and was shocked to see himself floating in a haze of swirling snowflakes and pebble-sized chunks of ice. He turned to look at his parents who were just as equally shocked as he is.
Minseok was getting tired of parties. A party is supposed to be some kind of social gathering where people converse and make small talk, have fun. However, in the two hours that he had been standing in huge ballroom filled with people in suits and gowns, not one soul had dared approach him. With his parents and prankster of a brother who goes by the name Jongdae as an obvious exception of course. Speaking of his parents, he can see them going to his direction. It’s time. Time to decide whether to accept an eternal life of luxury and duties. For the last eleven years, he had hidden his abilities from the public eye. His mother announced that he is powerless instead of revealing the truth to their subjects. Cryokinetic abilities are a taboo in their kingdom after all. While the other kids with abilities were taught how to manipulate fire or heat at will, Minseok was taught how to conceal, and not feel his ability.
He took a deep breath. They are currently inside their private room, safe from the prying eyes and privy ears of the public. “Mother, I don’t want to be the Crown Prince anymore.” he said. The sound of breaking glass echoed inside the spacious room as the wine glass the queen was holding fell and shattered into a million pieces on the marble floor. He looked at his father, searching perhaps for the telltale signs of anger, but found none. What he found instead, was disappointment. Her mother however, burst out laughing. “That was very funny Minseok, but now you have to concentrate and apply everything I’ve taught you and greet the Governor of Arendale like a true royal.” She took his hand in hers and started to lead him to the door. To showcase him again to other people, he thought. Make him go out there to withstand the stares of a hundred people who despise him secretly for having it better.
“No.”
“I beg your pardon?” The queen stopped in her footsteps and turned back to glare at Minseok who promptly glared back.
“I said no. I don’t want to go out there and make a fool of myself Mother! I don’t want to mingle with people who extend their hand in friendship just so that they can tell the whole world about it but will sooner or later talk trash about me behind my back.” the room suddenly felt as if it had dropped several degrees and Minseok shivered as he took a deep breath before continuing “I’m tired of doing something just because I’m required to do so as future Crown Prince. I want to live my own life!” he explained exasperatedly. He can see the hurt in his father’s eyes as he moved closer to pacify what he thought was Minseok’s growing rage. He doesn’t want to hurt his parents like this. But he doesn’t want to live like a royal anymore either. He tried prying his mother’s vice grip on his arm but found it difficult to do so since his fingers are numb from the sheer cold that gradually enveloped the room and its occupants. Nevertheless, he tried. “I am not born to be a Prince. Why can’t Jongdae take my place? I’m sure he’s far more---” the awful sound of flesh hitting flesh reverberated around the room. Minseok touched the patch of skin his mother had slapped. His cheek felt warm to touch. It stung a bit too.
“Stop this nonsense. you are going to be the Crown Prince whether you like it or not.” the queen’s voice rang with finality but Minseok isn’t one to give up. He pulled his hand out of his mother’s grip and backed away when she tried to hold onto his arm. By then, snowflakes started falling down slowly
“No Mother. I had enough.”
“Son, try to calm down---” his father tried to reach him but for some reason---whether it was the pressure of being a prince or the future prospects of living a life that wasn’t entirely his own, he doesn’t know---he finally cracked.
“NO!” he shouted. All he remembered was the loud crack that reverberated against the walls, the wind that suddenly whipped at the portraits hanging on the walls causing them to fall and break and the rising of massive ice pillars all around him. The next thing he knew, he was lying flat on his back inside an ice dome of some sort. He can feel a dull pounding in his head, and it felt like it was going to split in two. He checked his head for signs of injury but found none. He stood up and examined the smooth sheet of concave layer of ice above his head. The moment his fingers grazed the surface, the ice broke, falling away like a million tiny pieces of shattered glass.
The first thing he saw was his father’s outstretched hand, pale and unmoving underneath the thick layer of transparent ice in which he and the queen was entombed. He rushed forward and tried to hack of as much of the ice as possible without hurting his parents but his efforts were futile. Every mark he made was instantly replaced by a much thicker chunk. Every scratch he draws on its surface made it much more impenetrable. At last he gave up, lethargically scrabbling away at the slab of ice in front of him and tears starting to pool under his eyes. He can hear the hurried footsteps and the steady clanking of metal against metal as the guards rushed towards that part of the castle, probably alerted by the loud crack he made earlier. He can hear the rapid chatter of a thousand people outside the wooden door right now. He stayed in his place even when the door burst open; revealing the Captain, voice booming as he shouted orders to arrest the young prince huddled at the foot of the large block of ice that imprisoned the king and queen. The soldiers took Minseok by the arm and dragged him brashly towards the door to face the brazen captain whose face was dark with anger.
“Throw him in the dungeons while the high court decides what to do with him” he said
That was the last thing Minseok heard before he exhausted his last ounce of energy and crumpled in a dead faint.
He can hear the soft chirping of birds, and the steady trickle of water that reminds of the stream that he found when he was a kid. He can also smell a familiar soothing aroma but he can’t quite put his fingers on what it is. He didn’t think there were birds and flowing bodies of water in the underground dungeons. He quickly opened his eyes and sat up. He expected to see moldy dungeon walls and rusty cell bars. He didn’t expect yellow painted walls and curtain adorned wide windows. He also noticed that his head was wrapped in bandages and that he’s clad in simple, comfortable clothes unlike the ones he normally wore in the palace. The soft clink of porcelain caught his attention and he found himself staring at a man pouring tea into two identical little teacups. The said man seemed to sense Minseok’s stare as he turned to face him. “You’re finally awake” he said
“Where am I? What happened? Luhan? You’re Luhan aren’t you?” Minseok asked. The other man only smiled in response. The last time he saw Luhan was years ago. Almost 10 years ago actually. He kept seeing him for about a year, going to places and discovering things outside the Palace walls. That was before the queen decided to seal him off, saying that his powers not only pose a threat to the people around him, but also to his place on the throne. They tightened the security. Increased the number of guards and built high walls that hide him and his ability from the eyes of their people. Only a few people were let inside and Luhan wasn’t one of them. If it wasn’t for the doe-like eyes, he wouldn’t have known that the man standing 2 feet away from him was the same kid that dragged him out of the kingdom to camp out on a cliff eleven years ago. Luhan had grown considerably taller after their little expedition. Back then he was all skin and bones, but Minseok can now see a hint of muscled biceps peeking out of his shirt as he handed Minseok his own cup of tea.
“So, how are you feeling right now?” Luhan blew softly on his tea in an attempt to cool it down. Minseok can see the wrinkles beside and underneath the younger man’s eyes as he smiled at Minseok for the second time. “First of all, you are in my house.” Luhan held up a hand when Minseok opened his mouth to ask why he’s in the there instead of the cold, clammy underground dungeon in his palace. Well, it was his palace. “I smuggled you out of there when the guards were busy attending to their own personal needs” he chuckled at that and Minseok can’t help but question the man’s sanity. “Right now, they’re searching for you. For us both. So I suggest you stay inside this house if you don’t want to end up being a prisoner in your own home.” Luhan drained his tea and put the cup back in its own saucer on the table.
“How did you get me out? how do you even know I was to be imprisoned?”
Luhan chokes back a laugh. “Minseokkie---”he said. “You seem to forget how incredibly talented I am when it comes to picking locks.” he cleared his throat “And for the second question, Well, let’s just say I was just at the right place at the right time”
Minseok is starting to like his new life with Luhan. There is no urgency. No royal duties to be fulfilled, although sometimes of course, Luhan can be an outright pain in the ass when he wants to be. Everyday seemed like an adventure, a brand new flavor for Minseok to taste. His life as a prince seemed so far away right now. This is what happiness is, he thought as he watched Luhan climb a tree so that he can pick the fruits on top. He had quickly reacquainted himself with the man in the week he had stayed in his house. Over the course of one week, Luhan had taught him how to do things royalties would normally decline. He had climbed trees, caught salmon and trout from the nearby river and of course, chopped firewood for cooking food. By his 5th day, he had caught enough salmon to last for a week. He had grown to like the younger man as well despite his endless chatter about how cats are the fluffiest creatures in this world. His life might not be as easy as it was back then, but Minseok thinks he’s at his happiest living in the little house by the outskirts of Arendale.
Well, as happy as he can be with Luhan as the cook.
“I think I know someone who can help your parents.”
Minseok stared at Luhan who was panting heavily. Running from town and back is no mean feat after all. Luhan had gone early that morning to avoid running into palace guards who had been stationed to look out for signs of Minseok. Luhan took a deep breath. “The Sun Child. I heard the townspeople talking about him. I think with his ability, he can defrost the ice that encased your parents!” his grin stretched up to his ears but Minseok still had a difficulty processing what his friend had just said. “Minseok? Minseok. Minseok look at me” Minseok turned to look at Luhan’s eyes. The normally sparkly brown orbs looked like they bore a million stars. He doesn’t know why but he suddenly found himself getting lost in those eyes. He found himself wanting to hold the younger man in his arms. He wanted to do unmentionable things to Luhan. But at this moment, all he did was to hug him tight, and sobbed into his arms as he whispered a hundred thank yous to the fair-skinned man’s ear.
They wasted no time in finding the Sun Child. The journey was long and hard but neither one of them decided to give up. They trudged on holding to each other’s hands just like back when they were children Every now and then, Luhan would send a smile in Minseok’s direction and the latter would smile back and squeeze Luhan’s hand as a form of assurance. Finally, they had come upon the mountain which was rumored to be the Sun Child’s home and hunting grounds. If it wasn’t for Luhan’s sharp eyesight, they wouldn’t have found the small cottage nestled in between two full grown oaks on top of the mountain. They arrived just in time for lunch and the Sun Child (“Stop it with that name, you can call me Baekhyun”) was all too happy to invite them in his humble home.
“So, you’re telling me that you screwed up controlling your powers and now you’re asking me to clean up your mess?” Baekhyun scoffed.
“Uhhh technically? Yes.” Minseok replied meekly. “I know I’m asking for so much. But will you please...please just save my parents?”
“Hmmm…Wait! Look at me with your eyes again.” Minseok was alarmed by Baekhyun’s sudden outburst. Nevertheless, he stayed still as the Sun Child scrutinized his face, especially his eyes. “Not bad. You actually inherited his eyes.” Baekhyun looked away for a second, and Luhan thought he saw him smile sadly. “Okay then. To the palace we go!”
They journey back to the palace was by far, the most terrifying trip Minseok had taken in his 21 years of existence. They had to dodge the out of sight every time Luhan spots a guard lurking nearby. Baekhyun had also taken their long journey as an opportunity to train Minseok on how to control his ability.
“You have to feel it! No! You’re doing it wrong! Argghhhhh” Baekhyun yelled in pain and frustration as yet another enormous slab of ice fell on his feet. “This is hopeless!” Minseok can only cringe at the disappointment in Baekhyun’s voice. He wanted to control his ability too. He fears for what might happen if his abilities control him. What if he unconsciously freezes Luhan too, like what he did to his parents? That night, Minseok tossed and turned on his makeshift camp bed. Insomnia is started to sink in and Minseok realized that no matter what he does, he won’t be able to sleep sooner or later. He got up and went out of the tent they had erected earlier and started walking towards the direction of the river they had passed earlier. He walked for 15 minutes or so before he can actually hear the sloshing of water against giant rock boulders on the side of the shallow river. He slowed down at the edge of the bank, took off his shoes and dipped his feet in crystal clear water. The moment his toes touched the surface however, the river froze.
“You did it again huh?” Luhan chuckled and plopped himself down beside Minseok who stiffened instantly when the younger’s arm brushed against his. They stayed like that for a while before Luhan asked “You want me to help you with controlling your abilities?” Minseok was taken aback by Luhan’s suggestion, nonetheless, he followed Luhan when he stood up and led him towards the middle of the frozen river. They stood there for a long time, just silently facing each other.
“Imagine the tiny water droplets in the air around us…” Luhan took Minseok’s hand and intertwined them together, filling the spaces between their fingers. Minseok became aware of how perfectly their hands fit together. “…imagine them gathering together, holding each other, like how I hold your hand right now…” By then, the temperature had dropped down several degrees, the air around them becoming heavy and frosty from condensation. Luhan looked behind him, checking that no one else is there. His breath comes up in puffs of mist. He turned back to Minseok “…Now imagine them floating around you, totally under your control.” Minseok closed his eyes and concentrated hard on making the tiny droplets float. He opened his eyes
“You did it!” He can hear Luhan’s whisper amidst the whooshing sound that is the swirling wind dotted with sparkling snowflakes whirling around them. He looked at the younger man standing across him, He can see delight in his eyes. Delight and something else. Without warning, Luhan closed the gap between them and pressed his lips gently against Minseok’s. Minseok was caught offguard, but at the same time, he can’t deny that he likes it. Hell, he liked it so much that when Luhan started to pull out, he leaned forward to recapture his lips once more. Luhan was shocked but he responded nonetheless, capturing Minseok’s plump bottom lip between his lips and wrapping his long slender arms on the older man’s neck, pulling him closer as Minseok’s arms snaked around his hips, effectively molding their bodies together. Every now and then, Luhan would break away to gasp for air and Minseok would pepper his neck kisses until Luhan reclaims his lips again, noses bumping against each other, but he doesn’t mind. He had waited long enough for this. They kissed like that under the silvery moonlight, with the sparkling haze as their only protection against prying eyes.
“Where have you two gone off two last night? I woke up to two empty sleeping mats at three in the morning. I thought you two had been kidnapped!” Baekhyun glared at the pair when they staggered back into the tent at 5 in the morning with rumpled clothes and messier than usual hair.
“We’re sorry Baek. It’s just that I can’t sleep so took a walk and ended up practicing my ability with Luhan on the river. We’re sorry we fell asleep on the river bank and left you here to worry.” Minseok replied
“So you practiced huh?” Baekhyun crooked an eyebrow in Luhan’s direction causing the said guy to blush furiously. “Ah. That kind of practice eh?”
They set off for the castle once more, this time with Minseok constantly showing off his ability. “I think I’m getting the hang of this” he said heedless of the dirty looks Baekhyun threw at his direction. The Sun Child would have been proud of Minseok’s development if it wasn’t for the fact that he was freezing almost everything in sight. Including the ground they are stepping on, causing the small pyrokinetic to slip every now and then on the slippery pathway.
They arrived at the castle in record time, with Luhan telling them where to go so that they can slip in undetected. Minseok’s heart races everytime he sees the palace guards that once guaranteed him safety. They entered the castle disguised as peasants, passing through the gates stealthily by blending in with the crowd of other peasants gathered in the palace grounds. At last, after a lot of scurrying and pretending (and also a bit of soldier-freezing), they reached the room where the king and queen are situated. The gigantic block of ice in which they are imprisoned is in the same condition as it was when Minseok was dragged out of that room. Baekhyun walked forward and approached the slab of ice on the king’s side and touched it. He closed his eyes and even though Minseok can’t see it, he can hear the light thrum of energy emanating from where Baekhyun’s hand touched the ice which started to melt rapidly. After a while, all that’s left of the gigantic ice slab was the water that pooled at their feet and lapped at their ankles. But even though the ice had melted, the king and queen still stood motionless at the center of the flooded room. Baekhyun splashed his way to the queen first, and gently held her frozen arm in his. Minseok and Luhan watched in awe as the the queen’s pale arm quickly regained its healthy glow, spreading into the other parts of her body, coloring her cheeks pink and restoring the light in her eyes. She gave a start and immediately asked what happened but was ignored by Baekhyun who immediately moved to defrost the king next. This time, Baekhyun took a deep breath and exhaled sharply before he cupped the king’s face in his hands. Color flooded his face straightaway and Minseok couldn’t help but notice that Baekhyun held on to the king’s face longer than even after the king blinked in confusion at what happened. He immediately saw Baekhyun who gently lowered his hand from the king’s left cheek. Baekhyun can see a spark of recognition in the Phoenix’s-ah, the king’s eyes. “Baek.” he said softly. It was like music to Baek’s ears, hearing that voice speak his name again. But it was all in the past now. He forced himself to smile as he looked upon those eyes again. “Yeol.”
Minseok looked up when he heard the all-too-familiar sound of Luhan’s laugh, a signal that the younger man had already arrived. He got up from his chair by the dining table and went to greet his husband by the front door.
“How was work?”
“Boring as always.”
Minseok chuckled heartily at the sight of Luhan’s grumpy face. He pressed a kiss to his forehead in an attempt to cheer him up. “I think we should do something that isn’t relatively boring, don’t you think?” Luhan can only nod as Minseok led him inside their shared bedroom.
After Minseok’s freezing incident, the queen had relented and let Minseok chose what he wanted in life. The king was just too happy to comply with his son’s wish to live a normal life on the outskirts or their kingdom with Luhan. The queen wasn’t too happy with that agreement at first, but Minseok had convinced her that Jongdae would make a much more respectable king of the fire nation with his lightning-controlling ability. The guards and the king’s subjects had been informed that Minseok is innocent and that they should not interfere with him and his chosen life. Baekhyun chose to go back to his mountain after everything that happened. He declined the king’s offer to stay in the palace to be his royal adviser, saying that he preferred living in peace with all his animals back home. Everything is well…well, everything that is not Luhan’s cooking.
Author's note: hello recipient! I hope you'd have as much fun reading this as I had writing this. Also, I'd like to thank A, R and G.